The Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse (FAST) began with one goal in mind, engage in fundraising initiatives to provide financial support for the advancement and support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse. If 2009 is any indication, FAST is ahead of schedule in its mission.
FAST is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, tax deductible foundation set up to preserve, promote and protect the Tennessee Walking Show Horse. Grants are given in the areas of education, equine welfare, preservation of horse shows and the breed, and scientific research and development.
FAST has already given out grants to the Tennessee Walking Horse industry of over $48,000. “There are two things that set FAST apart from industry fundraising in the past. First, your donations are tax deductible. So, in addition to getting the emotional return of knowing you are helping your show horse, you receive a financial return of a tax deduction along with a long term gain of helping to strengthen the show horse business as time goes by. The second difference is that the money FAST is receiving is being put to work immediately and not being stockpiled for use at a later date,” said President Mike Inman.
FAST will have a horse show to help in its fundraising initiatives during the historic 4th of July weekend of horse shows. The horse show will be held Sunday July 4, 2010 at the Calsonic Arena in Shelbyville, Tenn.
Inman added, “Virtually all of the manpower to run the foundation is through volunteer efforts of the directors and others that want to help the show horse. We hope to raise and invest another $120,000 this calendar year.”
FAST has developed a scholarship in its initial year and will give scholarships to industry youth as they pursue their continued education. The Walking Horse Report recently gave $5,200 to the FAST Scholarship Fund. The monies were raised by $100 of every ad in the Walking Horse Report’s Amateur/Juvenile issue being donated to the fund. “We are happy to support the youth in our industry and feel very strongly about the development of our youth,” said Walking Horse Report Publisher Jeffrey Howard, also a director of FAST. “We couldn’t think of a better group to partner with in our scholarship initiatives.”
As outside groups continue to attack the Tennessee Walking Horse, it is as important as ever to continue to positively promote and protect the show horse. “It is time for those that own or support the show horse to pool their funds to promote this special aspect of our breed. FAST is here to give financial support for the horse that is led, driven, or ridden through the entry gate on Saturday night along with backing the charities that hold that entry gate open for us. In essence, the Saturday night horse and horse show is the backbone of the industry and times are challenging for both. FAST is dedicated to helping meet those challenges,” said Inman.
For more information on how you can donate to FAST and help preserve the Tennessee Walking Show Horse, visit the FAST web site at www.FASTwalkingshowhorse.org or contact a director. Directors include Inman, Howard, Kasey Kesselring, Kathy Zeis, Lee McGartland, David Landrum, Brenda Carlon and Bruce Vaughn. “My hope is that those that love the show horse will choose FAST as their primary recipient of their giving this year. If we can't be number one we will accept reserve honors. Remember your donation is tax deductible and being put to use right now,” concluded Inman.